Integrated, high strength, lightweight, energy efficient building structures

ABSTRACT

An integrated, high strength, lightweight building structure that withstands seismic, flooding, and 250 mph wind loads and is resistant to wood destroying organisms, mildew, mold, rot, and water damage. The structural system incorporates watertight seals between the walls and flooring system, the joints in the walls, and around the doors and windows. The eaves and roof incorporate a novel design that distributes to the structural members the uplift forces caused by extreme wind loading events.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/898,916, filed on Feb. 1, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to structural systems andcomponents for residential and light commercial buildings, and morespecifically to high-strength structural components for eaves, wallpanels, ceiling panels, roof panels and floor joints, overhead joist andcolumns of these buildings. Also included are methods of attaching thecomponents together, thereby forming a high strength integratedstructure or enclosure.

In recent years, hurricanes have caused billions of dollars in damage bydecimating many homes in the coastal regions of the Carolinas and Gulfstates. The destruction is caused by high wind forces and flooding dueto excessive rain and high storm surges. As a result of thisdestruction, many families have lost their homes, and some of thelargest insurance companies no longer offer new homeowner policies incoastal states. The invention described herein seeks to address theseproblems.

The invention comprises an integrated, high strength, lightweightbuilding structure to withstand 250 mph wind loads and resist wooddestroying organisms, mildew, mold, rot, and water damage. The designincorporates special integration of high strength composite structuralpanel designs, which enable the structure to resist more than twice theallowable wind loads without increasing the framing requirements. Therigid reinforced foam panels with the lightweight steel structure becomehighly energy efficient. Heat flow through the walls and roof becomeless than half of conventional structures due to the foam in the panelsand the increased wall thickness. In addition, the panels in thesestructures are particularly resistant to seismic loading because oftheir greatly increased shear strength. The wall panels in thestructural system are installed in or on sealed floor tracks, therebycreating a watertight seal between the wall and the flooring system.Finally, the eaves of the structure incorporate a design that enhancesthe strength of the structural connection between the roof panel and thetop of the exterior wall. This added strength resists the magnifieduplift forces experienced by the structure during extreme wind loadingevents.

The composite design of the structure provides for factory production offinished wall, ceiling, and roof panels. All plumbing and wiring can beinstalled in a factory setting, greatly streamlining the buildingfabrication and permitting process, allowing for quick and qualityconstruction at a lowered cost to the consumer. These structures willdramatically decrease the risk to owners, lenders, insurance providersand municipalities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The structure is built on a generally solid foundation, such as aconcrete slab. Floor tracks are attached to the foundation, and columnsand wall panels are attached to the floor tracks or directly to thefloor of foundation. Seals are placed around the floor tracks of theexterior walls to create a bond to the foundation and a watertight seal.Seals are incorporated into the joints in the exterior walls, furtherenhancing the strength and the watertight properties of the structure.The exterior doors open outward, and a seal is attached to the doorframebetween the frame and the outward-opening door. Thus, the seal tightensas wind and hydrostatic pressure forces increase.

The wall panels connect with a cross-in-cube arrangement incorporatinghigh-strength connection brackets and high strength wall panels. Ceilingpanels are attached across the top of the wall panels to complete thecross-in-cube arrangement. The panels are typically made of structuralsheeting, fibers and bonding agents attached to each other on oppositesides of composite stud members. In addition to these composite panels,composite beams and columns may be used to add strength to thestructural frame. The fibers may be manufactured from current materialssuch as glass, carbon, arimid or nano technology structures.

The eave structure distributes roof loads across the top of the exteriorwall, thus preventing overloading of local members. The eave members,connected by high strength brackets, form a rigid truss. A roof truss isnot needed because of the high strength eave connection and the highstrength exterior wall, ceiling, and roof panels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of one alternative of a beam/columnconnection.

FIG. 2 is a cross section of an alternate beam design.

FIG. 3 is a cross section of an alternate beam design.

FIG. 4 is a cross section of an alternate beam design.

FIG. 5 is a cross section of an alternate beam design.

FIG. 6 is a cross section of an alternate beam design.

FIG. 7 is a cross section of an alternate beam design.

FIG. 8 is a cross section of an alternate beam design.

FIG. 9 shows a plan and elevation of an alternate beam/columnconnection.

FIG. 10 is an elevation view of an alternate beam/column connection.

FIG. 11 is an elevation view of an alternate beam/column connection.

FIG. 12 is an elevation view of an alternate beam/column connection.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of an alternate beam/column connection.

FIG. 14A is a cross section of an alternate composite wall panel design.

FIG. 14B is a cross section of an alternate composite wall panel design.

FIG. 14C is a cross section of an alternate composite wall panel design.

FIG. 15 is a cross section of an alternate composite ceiling paneldesign.

FIG. 16 is a cross section of an alternate composite roof or floor paneldesign.

FIG. 17 is a sectional perspective view of the “Cross in Cube”structural system.

FIG. 18 is a cross section of an alternate “Hurricane Eave” design.

FIG. 19A is a cross section of an alternate attachment detail for thewall/floor connection.

FIG. 19B is a cross section of an alternate “Hurricane Eave” design.

FIG. 19C is a cross section of an alternate tension bar assembly design.

FIG. 20A is a cross section of an alternate design for the verticaljoint between two wall panels.

FIG. 20B is a cross section of an alternate design for the verticaljoint between two wall panels.

FIG. 21A is a cross section of an alternate design for the joint betweentwo wall panels.

FIG. 21B is a cross section of an alternate design for the joint betweenthree wall panels.

FIG. 22 is a cross section of an alternate design for the watertightdoor seal.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a typical family dwelling unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the drawings, the invention will now be described withregard for the best mode and the preferred embodiment. In general, theinvention comprises an integrated, high strength, lightweight buildingstructure to withstand flooding, seismic, and up to 250 mph wind loads.In addition, the building structure is constructed from materials thatresist wood destroying organisms, mildew, mold, rot, and water damage.The structural system is made from composite beams, columns, andstructural panels.

In FIG. 1, the composite beams and columns form a structural frame. Thefollowing description details the design of the composite beams used inthe structural system, and the bending axis is presumed to be thecenterline shown in the corresponding figures. An ordinary practitionerwill appreciate that the following beam designs are also suitable forthe composite columns. The beam 1 and column 2 members preferably aredesigned using four materials: cold rolled steel, rigid foam, fiberreinforcing and bonding agents. Generally, as described below, the foamcore of the composite beam is bonded to the metal skin by an epoxy orbonding agent. Thus, the foam core acts as a lateral brace for themetal, thereby increasing the elastic buckling capacity of the metalskin and allowing increased stresses in the outer portions of thecomposite beam or column.

The first alternate design of these members, as shown in FIG. 2, consistof a secondary skin 3 at the top and bottom of the beam 1 and a primaryskin 4 that is bonded to and wrapped around the fiber reinforced foamouter core 5 and rigid foam inner core 6. The secondary skin 3 andprimary skin 4 preferably are made of steel, although any other metal orsufficiently rigid material may be used, such as high strength polymersor carbon composite materials. The secondary skin 3 and primary skin 4are also bonded together, such as by welds, glue, chemical bonds, or bymechanical fasteners, such as bolts, screws, rivets or clamps. Themechanical fasteners 7 are threaded fasteners, rivets, or otherequivalent bonding means, such as bonding or resistance welding. Thefiber reinforced outer core 5 is fiber-reinforced material consisting ofa resin or epoxy material adhered to a tight weave cloth or scrim.Preferably the inner core 6 is cured-in-place foam or rigid polymerfoam.

The second alternate beam design, shown in FIG. 3, depicts the crosssection of a beam that performs the same function as the beam shown inFIG. 2. However, the cross section in FIG. 3 allows a more uniform outersurface of the beam by moving the steel secondary skin 3 to a positionbetween the fiber reinforced foam outer core 5 and inner core 6.

The third alternate beam design, shown in FIG. 4, combines the featuresof the first and second alternates, thus providing three layers of steelat the top and bottom of the beam, which are the area of highest stress.

The fourth alternate beam design, shown in FIG. 5, depicts a lower costarrangement where the steel secondary skin 3 is a simple flat memberthat does not need to be formed. This arrangement provides extrathickness and stress carrying capabilities at the top and bottom of thebeam. Other aspects of this beam's construction and configuration are asdescribed in the previous alternates.

The fifth alternate beam design, shown in FIG. 6, depicts the crosssection of beam that performs the same function as the beam shown inFIG. 5. However, the cross section shown in FIG. 6 allows a more uniformouter surface of the beam by moving the steel secondary skin 3 to aposition between the fiber reinforced foam outer core 5 and inner core6.

The sixth alternate beam design, shown in FIG. 7, combines the featuresfrom the fourth and fifth alternate beam designs, thus providing threelayers of steel at the top and bottom of the beam in the area of higheststress.

The seventh alternate beam design, shown in FIG. 8, provides the minimumcost arrangement by using only two pieces of steel, which are analternate version of the steel primary skin 4. As shown in FIG. 8, thisbeam is comprised of two sections of steel cold formed into C-shapedsections, which are overlapping and opposite facing. The inside of oneC-shaped section fits snugly around three sides of the foam outer core5, thereby acting as a base primary skin 4 a. The inside of the oppositefacing C-shaped section fits snugly about the remaining side of theouter foam core 5 and the base primary skin 4 a, thereby acting as anoverlapping primary skin 4 b of the beam 1. This arrangement providestwo layers of steel at the top and bottom of the beam cross section,which are the highest stress areas. Due to the lateral support providedby the rigid foam core and bonding agents, the elastic buckling of thebase primary skin 4 a and overlapping primary skin 4 b is arrested, thusallowing increased stresses in the shell of the composite beam with loadcapacity increases of 300 percent or more.

FIG. 1 shows a method for connecting multiple beams 1 to a column 2 byusing a high strength fastening arrangement of the beams 1. In thisarrangement, the beams 1 are connected to the column 2 by using a bottombracket 8, a lateral bracket 10, and a top bracket 9. In somesituations, the beam 1 may be welded to the column 2, or attached by anyother means that provides sufficient strength and stability, such ashigh strength epoxies or other chemical bonds. The brackets may be madeof any metal or material that provides sufficient strength, such aspolymer or carbon composite materials. The brackets may be attached tothe column by bolts, rivets, welds, or chemical bonds. FIG. 9 shows howthe beams 1 may be mitered where they intersect and rest atop the column2. At this location, the bottom bracket 8, top bracket 9, and thelateral bracket 10 secure the beams 1.

FIG. 10 shows the attachment detail where the beams 1 abut a column 2 atany point where the column 2 continues upward above the beam connectionpoint. Beams 1 are connected to the column 2 by using a bottom bracket8, a lateral bracket 10, and a top bracket 9. This connection also maybe accomplished by any means that provides sufficient strength andstability, such as a weld either with or without a chemical bond. Thecolumn 2 is attached to the floor/foundation 13 by the floor track 11and the track reinforcing plate 12 with the use of fasteners 14 or othersufficient connection means, such as threaded fasteners coupled withbonding agents or anchor devices. FIG. 11 depicts the inline connectiondetail atop the column 2 with the beams 1 secured by using a bottombracket 8, a lateral bracket 10, and a top bracket 9. FIG. 6 shows theconnection detail where a single beam 1 atop a column 2 is secured by abottom bracket 8, a flat plate lateral bracket 10, and an angled topbracket 9. FIG. 13 shows a plan view of the connection detail where thebeams 1 abut to all four sides of a column 2 at the same elevation. Whenabutting to the top of the column 2, the beams 1 may be attached with aplate top bracket 9 and angled lateral brackets 10. When abutting belowthe top of the column 2, attachments may be made with angled lateralbrackets 10.

Preferably, the structural panels 20 described here are prefabricated.One alternate design of the panels 20, as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B,provides for more than doubling the wind load resistance of a lightweight steel structure while making little or no change in the lightgage steel framing. This framing provides a dimensionally controlledbase and a suitable attachment surface for the other elements of thestructural panels 20, as described below. The panels may be used forinterior and exterior walls, floor panels, ceiling panels, and roofpanels. The panel studs 21 may be located at any spacing, but preferablyat a standard such as 24 inches on center or less. The wall panels 20may be constructed without any rigid reinforced foam 22 or other fiberreinforcement, but the bending strength and thermal efficiency of thewall will be reduced.

Generally, the structural panels 23 are connected to the panel studs 21by sheeting fasteners 32 (shown in FIG. 14B), which also attach theinterior sheeting 24 and exterior sheeting 25 to the panel 20. Bondingagents are also applied to bond the sheeting and the foam together andto the steel, forming a stronger vapor tight composite. Preferably,rigid reinforced foam 22 is injected into the panel 20 and allowed tocure in place. As another alternative, the foam can be precast andplaced within the composite wall. Either way, the interior sheeting 24,exterior sheeting 25, structural panels 23, rigid reinforced foam 22,and panel studs 21 combine to form a “sandwich” style panel. Paneltracks 61, as in FIG. 19A, are attached to the panel at an orientationperpendicular to the panel studs 21. The panel tracks 61 may be attachedto the panel 20 by mechanical fasteners and/or adhesive bonds.

In one alternative design, the rigid reinforced foam 22 is bonded to thepanel studs 21, which are made from any metal, polymer, carboncomposite, or other sufficiently rigid material. The structural panels23 are constructed from any metal, carbon composite, plywood, chipboard, polymer panel, fiber-reinforced material or other material withsufficient strength. When fiber-reinforced material is used, suchmaterial can comprise a bonding agent, such as latex or polyester resinor epoxy material, adhered to a tight weave cloth, scrim, or rovingmember. The roving member can be glass, carbon, metal, aramid, and othermaterials depending on cost and weight limits to the design. Optionally,the bonding agents are also used to bond the panels to the structure.The sheeting fasteners 32, which are mechanical fasteners used eitherwith or without adhesive bonds, are used to attach the panels to thestructure in a manner to transmit the forces directly through themechanical/bonded joints 32 and into the structural panels 23, whichbecome the primary resistance to shear and bending. In this alternativedesign, the pressure force on one side of the panel sheeting istransmitted to the opposite sheeting via rigid reinforced foam 22, thusallowing thinner sheeting. FIG. 14B shows another alternativearrangement for the elements of the panel 20. The individual elementsare as described above, but the panel 20 comprises a tri-laminatearrangement. Specifically, an additional layer of interior sheeting 24is placed between the structural panels 23 and the panel studs 21.

Generally, the arrangement of elements in the panels 20, as describedabove, applies to the ceiling, floor, and roof panels, as shown in FIGS.15-16. A panel is a roof panel 33 when the exterior sheeting 25 is ametal roof cover or other roofing material, such as shingles, slate,tile, polymer, carbon fiber or other roofing material. On one of itssides, the roof panel 33 attaches to the exterior wall 29 by the roofbracket 40, which is connected to the top of the exterior wall 29 asshown in FIG. 18 or to the ceiling panel 26 as shown in FIG. 19B. Theopposite side of the roof panel 33 attaches to the roof panel 33projecting from the opposite eave, the two roof panels 33 thus forming apeak above the structure (not shown). The roof panel becomes a floorpanel when the exterior sheeting 25 is modified to be a flooringsurface, such as linoleum, carpet or other flooring material.

In an alternative design, the panel studs 21 are steel shapes,preferably having a closed cross section (see FIGS. 14B and 14C). Thecross section of the steel member is oriented with the thicker sectionadjacent to the location where the sheeting fasteners 32 attach thesheeting to the panel studs 21.

One alternative orientation of panels 20, shown in FIG. 17, illustrateshow wall, ceiling, and roof panels are attached together in a mannerthat uses a “Cross In Cube” design. The “Cube” consists of the exteriorwalls 29, floor panel 30, and the ceiling panels 26 supported laterallyby the interior walls 31, which, depending on the floor plan, form across inside the cube. The wall panels 29 and 31, and ceiling panels 26act as a firm structure for supporting the roof loads. The foundation 13of the structure can be either a concrete slab, a combination of thehigh strength composite panels used as floor panels 30, or any othersufficiently stable platform. The foundation 13 of the structure can beat grade or elevated as required for flood plain zones.

FIG. 18 shows how the ceiling panel 26 has continuous attachment to theexterior wall using a sill plate 27 and a lower bracket 28 and the paneltrack 61 framing the ceiling panel 26. The composite roof designutilizes a “Hurricane Eave,” or a high strength eave, which includes thecave member 41 attached to the exterior wall 29 by the eave lateralbracket 42 and the eave bottom bracket 43. This connection is at alocation below the top of the exterior wall 29. The opposite end of theeave member 41 attaches to one end of the roof joist 44. The roofbracket 40 connects the opposite end of the roof joist 44 to either theroof panel 33 or the top of the exterior wall 29, or both, therebygenerating a high strength three-member truss. In some cases, theincline of the roof panel 33 will create a space 48 at the top of theexterior wall. This space 48 can be filled with a structural elementsuch as a bond-in-place continuous spacer bonded to the roof panel 48and the exterior wall 29, thus providing joint sufficient to evenlydistribute the uplift loads caused by wind loading.

The fascia cover 45, which can be continuous and decorative, connectsthe soffit 46, which is preferably a high strength vinyl coveredelement, thereby preventing uplift of the roof sheeting 47 and securingthe cover of the soffit 46 as wind forces shift. The fascia cover 45 andsoffit 46 can be ornamented as desired. All attachments in the“Hurricane Eave” may be accomplished with mechanical fasteners, welds,or chemical bonds. The fascia cover 45 and all other brackets may bemade of any metal, polymer, carbon composite, or other material withsufficient strength, which allows standard architectural designs orachievements.

The ceiling panel 26 is attached to the exterior wall 29 by a sill plate27 and a lower bracket 28, which preferably form continuous attachments.Rather than resting on top of the exterior wall 29, the ceiling panel 26is oriented so that it abuts the exterior wall 29 on the wall's interiorside. The vent 49 is an opening in the foam of the roof panel 33 thatallows for thermostatically and volumetrically controlled forced draftventilation of the attic, thereby preventing rapid pressure changes inthe attic spaces caused by high wind pressure. The vents 49 also promoteventilation of the structure, which can be an important feature when thelower level structural joints and seams are vapor tight. The roof cover50 is bonded or mechanically fastened to the roof sheeting 47.Alternatively, the roof cover 50 can be bonded or mechanically fasteneddirectly to the roof panel 33, without any roof sheeting 47.

Referring to FIG. 19A, the floor/foundation 13 attachment to the wallpanel 20 is sealed, making the structure watertight. The floor track 11is placed on the floor/foundation 13, positioned and leveled properlywith bonding sealer 60 between them. The panel track 61, which comesattached to the wall panel 20, is positioned, sealed, and bonded to thefloor track 11. The floor track 11 and bonding sealer 60 are anchored tothe floor/foundation 13 in any manner sufficient to withstand theapplicable loads, such as with anchors, mechanical fasteners or chemicalbonds. The floor tracks 11 and panel tracks 61 may be made of any metal,polymer, carbon composite, or other material with sufficient strength.The bonding sealer 60 may be caulking, epoxy, rubber, neoprene,elastomeric pads, plastic, or foam.

In another embodiment, depicted in FIG. 19B, the exterior wall 29 isattached directly to the floor or foundation 13 with the use of acontinuous strip 74 along the outside of the exterior wall 29. The strip74 is attached to the exterior wall 29 and the foundation 13, therebyeliminating the need for the additional floor track 11 as in FIG. 19A.The strength of the connection between the strip 74 and the foundation13 is enhanced further with the angle strip 78. The panel track 61 is anangle clip that delivers additional stability and strength. Bondingmaterials are added between the exterior wall 29 and the foundation 13to seal and bond the wall base to the floor or foundation 13, and theseal also separates the steel from the concrete or other base materialsthat could be incompatible with the floor or foundation 13, such as zinccoated steel.

In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 19B and 19C, a tension barassembly provides a method for securing the roof panel structure to thefoundation, thereby delivering additional strength to control winduplift. In this embodiment, the ceiling panel 26 bears on the top of theexterior wall 29. The tension bar assembly is comprised of an anchor 75,a bar 76, a plate 85, and one or more couplings 77. The anchor 75 isembedded in the foundation 13 and connects to the bar 76 running to theplate 85, which bears on the ceiling panel 26 above the top of theexterior wall 29. The couplings 77, which are incorporated into the bar76, are used to tighten the tension bar assembly. The couplings 77 alsoserve as turn buckles to preload the ceiling panel 26 to the wall toassure proper contact with the top of the exterior wall 29 for bondingthe wall to the ceiling panel 26. The couplings 77 also provide verticalposition control of the ceiling panel to the top of the wall to assureproper contact of the mating surfaces that are bonded and sealed with asealing or bonding agent. This also provides a means to correct anymismatch on the bottom surfaces and mating surfaces of the rigidcomposite integrated ceiling panels 26 and roof panels 33. A protectivecover 88 covers the tension members and the electrical connectors (notshown) that provide electrical connectivity between panels. An ordinarypractitioner will appreciate that these tension bar assemblies can beplaced as needed to meet the load and sealing, preload or upliftrequirements caused by the external loading on the structure.

The vertical joints of the exterior wall, depicted in FIG. 20A, alsoincorporate bonding sealer 60, as described above, to make themwatertight. The exterior walls 29 are placed such that their interiorcorners are adjacent, and the exterior sheeting 25 of each exterior wall29 is extended until it connects with the exterior sheeting 25 from theother exterior wall 29. In addition to the panel studs 21 located nearthe vertical joint, a support member, such as a support stud 19, is usedto provide structural support to the extended exterior sheeting 25. Thesupport stud 19 is oriented such that the ends of the exterior walls 29and the support stud 19 for a void 35. The void 35 can be filled withinsulation, rigid reinforced foam 22, or other fill material. Theexterior walls 29 are secured along the inside corner by a verticalbracket 34 and sheeting fasteners 32. Bonding sealer 60 is placedbetween the exterior sheeting 25 and the support stud 19, and alsobetween the void 35 and the exterior wall 29 panels. Continuousfastening of the vertical brackets 34 of the walls using bonding sealer60 enhances the sealing and structural strength of the wall joint.

FIG. 20B illustrates an alternate method of attaching two walls abuttingat right angles although they could join at any angle and at any pointalong the wall. A tube 82 provides a passage for the threaded fastener81 to reach the plate nut 86. The tube 82 also prevents collapsing ofthe thin walls of the panel as the fastener 81 is tightened. The jointincludes a tension bar assembly, as described above, wherein the plate85 bears on the top of the adjacent exterior walls 29. The cover 79 forthe tension bar 76 is connected to the wall panels by sheeting fasteners32, thereby concealing the bar 76 and providing cover for the electricalconnectors needed for wiring continuity between adjacent panels. An “L”shaped bracket plate 62 is provided at the top of the exterior wall 29and interior wall 31, as shown in FIG. 21A. The vertical bracket 34 andbracket plate 62 may be any metal, carbon composite, polymer, or polymermaterial.

FIG. 21B depicts the method to join two walls to one abutting wall usingthe fasteners 81 to the plate nut 86 and also using the sleeve 82 asdescribed above to provide prepared passage for the bolt 81 and providethe rigidity needed between the sheet metal pieces to arrest the bolt 81forces applied when tightening the bolt 81. The bolt 81 must be properlytightened to develop the proper holding capacity for the expectedforces. Bonding agents are also applied to seal and bond the matingsurfaces of the walls. The bolts 81 can be attached to a continuous wall(not shown) or at a wall joint, as shown.

As shown in FIG. 22, the watertight design of the building includes theexterior door 63, which opens outward. The frame for the exterior door63 includes seals 64 that seal all round the door, thereby forming aseal that tightens as external pressure is applied by wind or water.

A “Living Module” as shown in FIG. 23 is the standard feature of allfloor plans and contains all sanitary facilities 70, kitchen facilities71, as well as bedroom 72 and garage 73. The “Living Module” can beutilized in an infinite variety of floor plans.

The embodiments disclosed above are merely representative of theinvention and are not meant for limitation thereof. For example, anordinary practitioner would understand that there are severalcommercially available substitutions for some of the features andcomponents described above. Several embodiments described aboveincorporate elements that are interchangeable with the features of otherembodiments. It is understood that equivalents and substitutions forcertain elements and components set forth above may be obvious to thosehaving ordinary skill in the art, and therefore the true scope anddefinition of the invention is to be as set forth in the followingclaims.

1. A high-strength structure comprising: a structural frame having oneor more composite columns and one or more composite beams attaching tothe one or more composite columns; vertical composite panels attached tothe structural frame, said composite panels forming the walls of thestructure, the outermost vertical composite panels being the exteriorwalls and the remaining vertical composite panels being the interiorwalls, wherein said composite panels further comprise studs, astructural panel attached to each of the opposite sides of the studs, asheeting layer attached to the structural panel on the side of thestructural panel opposite that of the studs, sheeting fastenersconnecting the interior sheeting and structural panel to the studs, andrigid reinforced foam placed between the studs and bonded to thestructural panels; at least one horizontal composite panel attached tothe top of the vertical composite panels, said at least one horizontalpanel being a ceiling panel; two or more composite roof panels, one sideof each composite roof panel attaching to an exterior wall by a roofbracket, the opposite side of each roof panel attaching to the opposingroof panel in a manner forming a peak above the ceiling panel; and atleast one high strength eave having at least one substantiallyhorizontal eave member attached to the exterior wall by a bracket at alocation below the top of the exterior wall, at least one roof joistattached at one end to the roof panel and attached at the other end tothe eave member, thereby forming a triangular truss.
 2. The structure ofclaim 1, wherein at least one vertical composite panel attaches to atleast one other vertical composite panel forming a vertical jointbetween the two panels.
 3. The structure of claim 2, additionallycomprising: a concrete slab that forms a foundation for the structure; awatertight floor seal between the base of the exterior walls and thefoundation; watertight vertical joints between adjoining exterior wallpanels; and an exterior door to the structure opening outward and awayfrom the structure, said door being installed inside a frame havingwatertight seals such that when a force external to the structure pushesagainst the door, a watertight seal forms between the door and theseals.
 4. The structure of claim 1, wherein said composite beams andcomposite columns further comprise a foam inner core, a foam outer corecomprising a fiber-reinforced material consisting of a resin materialadhered to a scrim, a primary skin bonded to the foam outer core, and asecondary skin attached to the top and bottom of the beam by mechanicalfasteners.
 5. The structure of claim 2, wherein said composite beams andcomposite columns further comprise a foam inner core, a foam outer corecomprising a fiber-reinforced material consisting of a resin materialadhered to a scrim, a primary skin bonded to the foam outer core, and asecondary skin attached to the top and bottom of the beam by mechanicalfasteners.
 6. The structure of claim 4 additionally comprising at leastone composite panel forming a foundation for the structure.
 7. Thestructure of claim 4 additionally comprising a concrete slab that formsa foundation for the structure.
 8. The structure of claim 3, whereinsaid high strength eave further comprises a tension bar assembly havingan anchor embedded in the foundation, a bar connected to the anchor andrunning to a plate bearing on the top of the wall panel, and one or morecouplings incorporated into the bar, said couplings capable oftightening the tension bar assembly.
 9. The structure of claim 7,wherein said high strength eave further comprises a tension bar assemblyhaving an anchor embedded in the foundation, a bar connected to theanchor and running to a plate bearing on the top of the wall panel, andone or more couplings incorporated into the bar, said couplings capableof tightening the tension bar assembly.
 10. A flood-resistant structurecomprising: a foundation; a structural frame having one or morecomposite columns attached to the foundation by at least one mechanicalanchor, and one or more composite beams attaching to the one or morecomposite columns; vertical composite panels attached to each other andto the structural frame, said composite panels forming the walls of thestructure, the outermost vertical composite panels being the exteriorwalls and the remaining vertical composite panels being the interiorwalls; a watertight floor seal between the base of the exterior wallsand the foundation; watertight vertical joints between the exterior wallpanels; and an exterior door to the structure opening outward and awayfrom the structure, said door being installed inside a frame havingwatertight seals such that when a force external to the structure pushesagainst the door, a watertight seal forms between the door and theseals.
 11. The watertight structure of claim 10 wherein said watertightfloor seal further comprises at least one floor track attached to thefoundation by fasteners, said floor track being sealed to the foundationby a sealant selected from the group consisting of caulking, epoxy,rubber, neoprene, elastomeric pads, plastic, and foam, and said columnsand exterior wall panels resting inside and attached to the floor tracksby mechanical fasteners.
 12. The watertight structure of claim 10wherein said watertight floor seal further comprises a continuous stripon the exterior side of the exterior wall attaching the exterior walldirectly to the foundation, and a bonding sealer sealing the base of theexterior wall to the foundation, wherein the bonding sealer is selectedfrom the group consisting of caulking, epoxy, rubber, neoprene,elastomeric pads, plastic, and foam.
 13. The structure of claim 11wherein said watertight vertical joints further comprise a void definedby the ends of the exterior wall panels and a support member, saidsupport member providing structural support to the void, a verticalbracket attaching the adjacent exterior wall panels together, and abonding sealer sealing the support member to the exterior wall panel andsealing the vertical bracket to the adjacent exterior wall panels. 14.The structure of claim 12 wherein said watertight vertical jointsfurther comprise a void defined by the ends of the exterior wall panelsand a support member, said support member providing structural supportto the void, a vertical bracket attaching the adjacent exterior wallpanels together, and a bonding sealer sealing the support member to theexterior wall panel and sealing the vertical bracket to the adjacentexterior wall panels.
 15. The structure of claim 11 wherein saidwatertight vertical joints further comprise the exterior walls abuttingto form a corner, at least one tube passing through one of the exteriorwall panels, a threaded fastener passing through the tube and into theadjacent exterior wall panel, the threaded fastener having a nut that istightened to secure the adjacent exterior wall panels together, and abonding sealer sealing the interface between the exterior wall panels.16. The structure of claim 12 wherein said watertight vertical jointsfurther comprise the exterior walls abutting to form a corner, at leastone tube passing through one of the exterior wall panels, a threadedfastener passing through the tube and into the adjacent exterior wallpanel, the threaded fastener having a nut that is tightened to securethe adjacent exterior wall panels together, and a bonding sealer sealingthe interface between the exterior wall panels.
 17. A high strength eaveassembly for a structure comprising: a foundation; at least one exteriorwall resting on the foundation; at least one substantially horizontalceiling panel bearing on the top of the exterior wall; at least oneinclined roof member bearing on the ceiling panel at a location abovethe exterior wall; at least one substantially horizontal eave memberattached to the exterior wall by a bracket at a location below the topof the exterior wall; and at least one roof joist having a roof bracketattaching one end of the roof joist to one of the roof panels and to thetop of the exterior wall, said roof joist being attached at the otherend to an eave member, thereby forming a triangular truss.
 18. The highstrength eave of claim 17 further comprising a tension bar assemblyhaving an anchor embedded in the foundation, a bar connected to theanchor and running to a plate bearing on the top of the ceiling panel,and one or more couplings incorporated into the bar, said couplingscapable of tightening the tension bar assembly.
 19. The high strengtheave of claim 17 further comprising a space formed between the inclinedroof panel and the ceiling panel, said space filled with a structuralelement bonded to the roof panel and ceiling panel.
 20. The highstrength eave of claim 18 further comprising a watertight floor sealhaving a continuous strip on the exterior side of the exterior wallattaching the exterior wall directly to the foundation, and a bondingsealer sealing the base of the exterior wall to the foundation, whereinthe bonding sealer is selected from the group consisting of caulking,epoxy, rubber, neoprene, elastomeric pads, plastic, and foam.